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Lego continues to combine the classic and technologically-advanced ways children can play with the release of the first-ever Lego Batmobile toy that can be controlled through a smartphone app under the company's Powered Up platform.
Like the classic Lego toys, kids will first have to assembly the bricks to build the Batmobile. But the fun does not stop there. They can also drive the motorized toy car and control through an application that will be available on iOS and Android smartphones.
The company also confirmed that the app-controlled Batmobile toy will soon be compatible with “light coding and programming” options to be released across the Powered Up lineup before 2018 ends. As noted by Lego in a press release (via The Brothers Brick), this will allow children to apply basic coding so they can apply their very own modifications “creating endless customized play possibilities.”
“With Powered Up, we’ve established a flexible connected platform to enable innovative new play experiences that merge digital and physical play in natural ways that will delight and inspire the builders of today and tomorrow – while still focusing on the core physical play proposition of our System of Play – the LEGO brick,” said Michael McNally, Lego’s brand relations head.
Lego also announced that the app-controlled Batmobile will be supported by a “coding canvas” to be released in 2018 that will allow users to customize the toy’s speed, direction, and add “unique driving experiences.”
The Powered Up platform goes live on July 1 while the app-controlled Batmobile toy will be released on Aug. 1 and will be priced $99.99. Each box comes with 321 bricks, two motors and a battery hub.
Meanwhile, Lego fans should also note that the Powered Up application will require smartphones and tablets to have at least iOS 8.0 and Android 5.0 system updates.
More Powered Up toys are slated to be released this year including the LEGO City Passenger Train and LEGO City Cargo Train.
